Could you get a free oil boiler?

Could you get a free oil boiler?

Could you get a free oil boiler?

Having problems with your oil boiler? Whether it’s costing a fortune to run or it’s frequently breaking down, leaving you to feel the chill, replacing it with a new one may be your best solution.

As oil boilers age, they become less efficient and can even become unsafe. Luckily, modern A-rated condensing boilers work like a dream. In fact, the latest models can convert as much as 90% of your precious oil into heat. Some older boilers can only convert 50% which means half of the fuel you’re buying is going to waste.

Get yourself a new oil boiler and chances are you’ll really notice the difference - in both the cosiness of your home and your bank balance.

All this energy-efficiency doesn’t come cheap, though. New oil boilers can cost anywhere between £1,500 and £3,000 depending on your needs and that’s not including labour costs.

Wouldn’t it be nice if there was a way to get a free oil boiler to replace your old one? Luckily, npower offer a free oil boiler replacement under the government’s ECO scheme for people who meet certain criteria.

So read on to find out if you’re eligible for a free oil boiler – and find out more about oil-fired central heating in the process.

What is an oil-fired heating system?

An oil-fired central heating system is a key alternative for over two million homes in the UK that aren’t connected to the gas network.

An oil-fired heating system works in a very similar way to a gas heating system. But, instead of using a gas to heat the water and provide heat to your radiators, oil is used instead.

If you choose to heat your home with an oil-fired heating system, there are both heat-only and combination condensing oil boilers, so like gas, there’s not just one system for all conditions.

What kind of oil does an oil-fired boiler use?

The main types of domestic heating oil are kerosene and gas oil. Of the two, kerosene is more common because it’s more efficient at heating your home.

How do I know if I’ve got an oil boiler?

The biggest difference between gas and oil is that you need an oil tank to hold your fuel, and regular deliveries to keep it topped up.

Unlike gas where the supply is effectively ‘on tap’ in that it’s there whenever you need it, oil is delivered in bulk. As such, it’s up to you to keep an eye on how much fuel you’re using and make sure you order more oil before your supply runs out.

What are the benefits of an oil boiler?

Just like gas, the price for oil can move up and down over time. Historically, the price of oil has been more expensive than gas, but the Energy Saving Trust report states that oil heating is currently a cheaper option than gas.

And, unlike gas, you have the option to buy your oil when you’re happy with the price.

To sum up the benefits of an oil boiler:

Oil can be one of the cheapest and most efficient fuels for customers who aren’t on mains gas

A combination oil boiler provides heating and hot water on demand

Unlike solid fuels, the boiler fuels automatically, so you don’t have to load it yourself, for example by shovelling in wood chippings

According to Which? oil is a more efficient fuel than gas so, in theory, you should receive a healthy return on each unit of energy you use

How do I get a free oil boiler?

If it’s time to replace your old oil boiler, it’s always worth checking to see if you could get a new one for free. That’s where the government’s ECO scheme comes in.

People who qualify for the scheme by meeting certain criteria could not only get a free oil boiler, but one that comes with a two-year manufacturer guarantee.

Am I eligible for a free oil boiler?

To qualify for a free oil boiler, you must:

Either own your property or live in privately rented accommodation

Live in a house or bungalow

Have a current oil boiler that is more than eight years old

In addition, you’ll need to be currently receiving one of the following:

Pension Credit Guarantee Credit

Universal Credit*

Child Tax Credit*

Working Tax Credit*

Income-based Job Seeker's Allowance

Income-related Employment and Support Allowance

Income Support

*To qualify you need to have an annual income lower than the government threshold, based on who lives in your home.

If you meet the criteria above you can apply for a free replacement oil boiler through npower here.

What type of free oil boilers do npower offer?

We only offer oil boilers from leading and recognised manufacturers through our oil boiler replacement scheme and we have a range of boiler types and models, so we can offer a solution to meet your needs depending on your circumstances.

These include offering different boiler types, such as combi or system boilers, as well as different size options.

What will happen if I decide to get my free oil boiler from npower?

We’ll always visit your home first to do a free, no-obligation survey. This is to make sure we recommend the right replacement boiler for your needs, and to confirm we can help you under the ECO scheme.